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First Pediatric Monkeypox Case Reported in New York
The New York State Department of Health’s recent weekly summary of monkeypox cases reported the first pediatric case of monkeypox.
According to the CDC, as of August 18, 2022, New York state had 2,744 reported cases of monkeypox, making it the state with the highest rate of infections. As the monkeypox public health crisis has progressed, healthcare organizations, including the New York Department of Health, have monitored infection rates. In the “2022 Weekly Summary of Monkeypox Cases in New York State (Excluding NYC) Residents,” published on August 17, 2022, the first pediatric case of monkeypox during this outbreak was reported.
Monkeypox is a zoonotic virus like smallpox. While each virus is different, both infections originate from a family of viruses called variola viruses. Symptoms of monkeypox can include fevers, headaches, swelling of the lymph nodes, muscle aches, and fatigue. The most noticeable sign is skin eruptions that can appear on the face, hands, feet, genitalia, corneas, and more.
Human-to-human transmission of the disease occurs through contact with respiratory secretions, skin lesions, or recently contaminated objects.
Before the discovery of the pediatric case in New York, this outbreak had not impacted anyone under 18. The current spread of this virus was thought to be minimal risk to children and adolescents.
“At this time, the risk of monkeypox to children and adolescents in the United States is low. Monkeypox virus can infect anyone — including children — if they have close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact with someone who has monkeypox. In this outbreak, most cases of monkeypox have been associated with sexual contact. Although less common in the current outbreak, monkeypox may also spread by touching contaminated objects (such as toys or eating utensils), fabrics (clothing, bedding, sleeping mats, or towels), and surfaces that have been used by someone with monkeypox,” states the CDC.
The weekly summary published by the New York Department of Health reports only one pediatric case of the 192 total cases reported last week. The overview also shows that between ages 30 and 34 is where there is the highest risk of infection, with members of that age population comprising approximately 24% of cases.
As health officials continue to monitor the monkeypox outbreak, the public is encouraged to take steps to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, including regular handwashing, getting vaccinated if you are eligible, avoiding contact with infected people or contaminated materials, and isolating if you suspect that you have or have been in contact with someone who was infected.
